What Is Β-Bromoethyl-Benzene?

Β-Bromoethyl-Benzene stands out as an organic compound that attracts attention for its unique combination of chemical structure and physical properties. The molecule carries a benzene ring, known for its stability, attached through an ethyl chain to a bromine atom at the beta position. Often recognized by its molecular formula C8H9Br, it features a clear nod toward petrochemical origin, feeding curiosity on how one halogen can shift the behavior of an entire compound. As a colorless to pale yellow liquid, users notice a sharp, distinctive scent when first opened. Though it may look harmless at first glance, the halogen content drives conversations about storage, practical applications, and safety.

Chemical Structure & Key Properties

The benzene ring supports a two-carbon chain where bromine latches onto the beta carbon. This setup influences both reactivity and physical behavior. People who spend time with chemicals notice the bromine atom increases the compound’s molar mass, bringing the molecular weight in the range of 185.06 g/mol. Density falls between 1.32 and 1.36 g/cm³ at room temperature—a heavier feel in the hand compared to most hydrocarbons of similar size. Β-Bromoethyl-Benzene keeps a melting point below room temperature, typically staying liquid under standard conditions and only shifting toward a solid state if cooled well below the familiar 0°C threshold. Its boiling point climbs above 220°C, paving the way for separation and purification through distillation, though not without respect for its fumes. Solubility in water runs negligible, which tracks with similar compounds, but users find it mixes well with organic solvents like ether, chloroform, and acetone. Those who work in research or synthesis often note how this profile supports its function as a starting material or building block, not a reagent found in everyday products.

Physical Appearance and Material Forms

Bottle to bottle, Β-Bromoethyl-Benzene appears as a clear, slightly viscous liquid. Sometimes, after sitting in cool storage, flecks of crystalline solid or a cloudy layer may form, especially if the material absorbs moisture. In larger quantities, the liquid presents a noticeable luster and moves sluggishly inside containers compared to pure benzene or toluene. Suppliers may offer it as a clear solution for ease of transfer, most commonly in sealed glass bottles or lined drums that prevent vapor escape. Even though the form is mostly liquid, users sometimes see references to “powder” or “pearls,” often a way to describe potential crystallization during temperature changes, not a deliberate manufacturing choice. Bulk users rely on precise measurements, often citing packaging by liter or kilogram, never losing sight of the need for thorough labeling and dedicated chemical storage. The raw material character remains undeniable, rarely showing up in finished consumer goods but showing utility in specialty chemical synthesis and research.

Specifications, Standards, and HS Code

For export, catalog, or regulatory compliance, Β-Bromoethyl-Benzene falls under an HS code designated for halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, commonly recorded as 2903.89. Purity levels for commercial lots tend to exceed 98%, sometimes checked by gas chromatography for tiny impurities. Trace amounts of dibromo products or leftover benzene can drift through unless the distillation and handling processes stick to high standards. Physical constants provided on a typical safety data sheet cover refractive index (often around 1.540–1.545), flash point (above 100°C), and vapor pressure at room temperature (reflecting low volatility). Shelf life links tightly to storage conditions: sealed, cool, shielded from light and humidity. Quality checks on each batch reduce the chance of decomposition or hazardous byproducts, a lesson often repeated in chemical handling safety briefings.

Safety, Health, and Hazards

Β-Bromoethyl-Benzene should never be handled without a sense of caution. While it doesn’t explode under normal lab conditions, its fumes can be irritating, and skin or eye contact may trigger inflammation or allergy-like responses. Users who underestimate brominated aromatics often wind up regretting it—regular exposure earns a spot on occupational hazard lists. Inhalation draws quick attention at the first sign of cough or throat discomfort. Prolonged or high-energy conditions kick up the risk of toxic breakdown products, some of which can have severe health consequences. I have seen chemists work behind fume hoods and double-check gloves, never taking shortcuts no matter how routine the procedure feels. Waste disposal also matters: flushing in regular drains is off-limits, and collection goes straight to certified hazardous chemical handlers. Environmental agencies keep a tight eye on these brominated compounds due to their persistence and potential toxicity in aquatic systems. Nobody wants careless spills or unauthorized dumping leading to complications down the road.

Common Uses, Markets, and Handling Recommendations

Β-Bromoethyl-Benzene finds its place as a raw material or intermediate, not as a finished product. It’s valued in organic synthesis for its ability to undergo substitution reactions, where that bromine on the β-carbon allows for precise modifications of the benzene framework. The pharmaceutical industry and fine chemical companies use it to build more complex structures, chasing new molecules and formulations. Its market runs modest compared to mass-produced chemicals, but specialists appreciate its reliability as a building block. Proper storage stands out as non-negotiable: a cool, ventilated room, away from acids, bases, reducing agents, and sources of ignition. Material safety data sheets get a prominent spot, and only trained staff manage the measuring and transfer steps. The risk profile is real—shaking hands with this liquid means taking chemical stewardship seriously, informed by science and backed by experience. Good practice involves not just labels and equipment, but ongoing vigilance, especially in settings where multiple reactive or hazardous materials share space.